Metronomic Chemotherapy in Pediatric Oncology: A Way Forward for Low-Income Countries?

Over the last decade, metronomic chemotherapy (MC)—the chronic
administration of chemotherapy at relatively low, minimally toxic doses on a
frequent schedule of administration, at close regular intervals, with no
prolonged drug-free breaks—has emerged as a potential strategy to control
advanced/refractory cancer disease. It was originally believed to work primarily
through anti-angiogenic mechanisms, but recently, other mechanisms of action
have been reported. MC has the property to kill resistant cancer cells and/or to
hamper tumor growth while significantly reducing unwanted toxic side effects.
Here, we will expose preclinical data about MC and will briefly review the
data regarding clinical experience with this kind of anti-cancer treatment in
children. Based on these data, we will foresee potential new developments in
MC in pediatric oncology, with an emphasis on countries with limited resources.